Why You Should Go Mild When Flavoring Seafood Marinades

Most folks know that marinating food can give it a depth of flavor that is difficult to achieve through other means. However, the kind of mixture you use on specific foods matters. For example, marinating tofu requires bold ingredients and a few tofu marinating hacks, as the soy-based protein is begging for an infusion of flavor. Likewise, many beef recipes call for a strong marinade that accents the strong character of the protein. When it comes to seafood, however, subtlety is key.

Pierre Albaladejo, the Executive Chef at Park Hyatt Aviara, is an expert at creating elegant seafood dishes. When we asked him for his thoughts on marinating, he explained that going too forceful with the seasonings in such a mixture would be a mistake. He said, "Personally, I think seafood [is] more subtle in flavor and I gravitate toward flavors that are milder and don't cover the finesse of the seafood I work with."

Unlike many other proteins such as a hearty steak, seafood is often delicate. So, the blend of ingredients you use to infuse flavor into it before cooking should reflect that more subtle quality. Indeed, some acidic components like lemon juice can ruin a beautiful piece of fish if it sits in the mix for too long, while over-marinating scallops in something bold would also be an all-too-common scallop cooking mistake. However, Albaladejo says that, when it comes time to season the seafood, a heavier hand can be welcome.

While you want to avoid marinating a fish with ingredients that mask its intricate flavors, Albaladejo is more liberal when it comes to seasoning. "The best rule when seasoning seafood is you season it as much as you like," he says. If you want the seafood to shine as-is, go light. On the other hand, if you are looking for an elegant crust on your fish, you can also make the seasoning stand out by being more generous with it.

What you season your seafood with is up to you, Albaladejo said. "There is no ingredient you should stay away from as long as you like all the ingredients you put in the seasoning mix," he When gathering spices to season your seafood, envision the tastes you are trying to bring out in the dish. Furthermore, consider how they will interact with the flavors in the mild marinade you are using and how the dish will balance as a whole when it's ready to serve. Even cheap fish from Aldi can be an unforgettable dish with the correct harmonization of a subtle marinade and thoughtfully prepared seasoning.